 | Welcome home, Esmerelda Author: Ramirez, Daniela | |
| Price: $13.49 | ||
Summary:
Esmerelda and her military family are returning to San Antonio, Texas from Germany, and though she has family there she is not sure whether it will feel like home.
| Illustrator: | Lechuga, Maribel |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 2.70 Points: .5 Quiz: 559057 |
Reviews:
Booklist (09/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2025 Opening with Esmerelda and her sister dancing in the kitchen, Ramirez's debut picture book shares the meaning of home. Esmerelda’s father, a U.S. serviceman, announces to the family that they will be moving from Germany back to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. On a phone call with her abuela, Esmerelda expresses her doubts about the change, and Abuela reminds her, “Remember, home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.” In San Antonio, Esmerelda feels out of place with her large, unfamiliar family. But when Tío George turns up the music of Tejano queen Selena, the whole family can’t help but dance, sharing Esmerelda’s own love of music. Colorful multimedia illustrations by Lechuga round out the emotional message of this tender story, and musical notes float throughout the book, conveying joy. Spanish words peppered into the text add warmth and cultural authenticity. Ramirez succeeds in sharing a warm reflection on family and the sacrifices of service members and their families. An author’s note about military families concludes. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
